Washington International School Enhances Future Learning with New Facility and Achievements
This year marks a pivotal moment for the Washington International School (WIS) as it gears up to celebrate its 60th anniversary in January 2026. With a strong emphasis on fostering a premier internationally-minded education from preschool through 12th grade, WIS has recently achieved significant milestones underlining its leadership in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and commitment to future-forward education.
In a major development, WIS inaugurated its impressive new facility, Le Centre Brown, located on the Tregaron Campus. Spanning a substantial 58,000 square feet, this architecturally striking center is designed to enhance inquiry-based science learning, promote design thinking, and foster community engagement. Built through extensive collaboration with WIS families, local stakeholders, preservation advocates, and city officials, the center aims to meet the academic and social needs of contemporary students and provide flexible infrastructure for future educational advancements.
Alongside this exciting opening, WIS is celebrating its extraordinary achievements in the IB Diploma Programme (DP). The school has maintained a remarkable 94% award rate for the IB DP and a rare 71% for the IB Bilingual Diploma—a notable distinction that surpasses both local and national averages. This achievement is especially impressive given that the worldwide average for the IB Bilingual Diploma is only 27%, while the average for Washington, DC, hovers around 25%. WIS's commitment to excellence in education is clearly evident in these statistics, showcasing the rigorous academic environment it provides for its students.
As part of WIS's ongoing endeavors to foster intellectual growth and community engagement, the school will host its inaugural Empower Conference from December 5–7. This event features prominent speakers including Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign, and Binkady Emmanuel Hie, co-author of VISIBLES! Black Figures in French History. The conference promises to deliver powerful dialogues and professional development opportunities through contributions from various notable educational institutions and organizations.
In another initiative, WIS is excited to announce its collaboration with the Middle States Association (MSA) in a podcast series titled Evolution Stories. Esteemed guests Daniel Pink and Jeff Selingo will join discussions that address challenges and innovations within higher education. Pink, a celebrated author of bestsellers, and Selingo, a recognized journalist and expert in education, provide valuable insights drawn from their extensive experience in the field.
In its commitment to sustainability, WIS is taking actionable steps toward reducing its ecological footprint. Recent initiatives include the implementation of an all-school food-waste composting system, as well as the installation of 185 solar panels atop the Middle School to contribute to renewable energy efforts. This season's statistics also highlight an increasing number of student walkers as the Primary School encourages environmentally friendly commuting options.
Moreover, WIS is enhancing the Cultures of Thinking project in collaboration with Ron Ritchhart, aiming to cultivate critical and creative thinking among educators globally. Additionally, the school's commitment to responsible use of technology is evident in its designation as a founding school for the MSA's Responsible AI in Learning (RAIL) initiative. This program scrutinizes the impact of technology on academic experiences, and WIS has instituted a cell phone-free learning environment across all grade levels and campuses.
On the athletic front, WIS proudly concluded an impressive fall sports season, achieving the status of DCSAA State Champions in Boys Varsity Soccer and PVAC champions in Girls Varsity sports, encompassing Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball, and Cross Country. Furthermore, the construction of Le Centre Brown has led to a complete renovation of the sports field, providing enhanced facilities for student-athletes.
As WIS embarks on this exciting chapter, the anticipation of its 60th anniversary serves as a reminder of the school's unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional education. For those interested in enrolling or learning more about Washington International School, inquiries and campus tours can be requested through the school’s website.
To dive deeper into the programs and achievements, readers can explore the latest edition of the WIS School Magazine or sign up for upcoming events such as the WISummer Camp.
Founded in 1966, Washington International School has established itself as a prominent educational institution that prioritizes multilingual, international education, maintaining a strong focus on inquiry-based learning and cultural proficiency in languages such as French, Spanish, and Mandarin. Positioned across two picturesque campuses in Washington, D.C., WIS remains dedicated to creating a diverse learning community enriched by global perspectives and informed by rigorous inquiry.